Opus 2025-331: Grateful Not to Be an Extrovert

I am an introvert.  As I get older, I learn more about what that means.  I used to think I was shy.  I used to think that I just didn’t like people.  I used to think all kinds of things, but now I realize that I am just an introvert.

I am grateful to be an introvert.  It is a great balance to have.  Introverts don’t need people the way extroverts do.  That means that when no one is around you’re happy as a pig in the mud.  That might not be a good illustration, but you get the point.  I can be happy by myself sitting on the porch, talking to my iPad.  At the same time, strangely enough, I can have people over to dinner and enjoy the conversation.  Of course I’m glad when they leave, but I enjoy the time they are here.  I may dread the coming event.  I still I am happy to see them.

When the phone rings, I shudder.  I contemplate not answering.  I force myself to pick up the receiver or punched the button.  And then I happily go down a two hour conversation with someone I haven’t spoken to you in a while.  That is what it is to be an introvert.  You enjoy the peace and quiet and not being bothered by other people and having to listen to their opinions.  You enjoy contemplation.  You enjoy thinking.

One disclaimer I might make is that I always am aware of the presence of God.  I don’t know if that waters down my introversion or it’s just an excuse, but it is true.  I guess one of the things is that God doesn’t force me into conversations.  He doesn’t share nonsense.  Part of that is because I’m always addressing Him.  I’m not waiting.  Part of it may be the fact that as an introvert once I get into a conversation I do fine and since I am always in conversation with God, it’s not like He’s interrupting.

If you’re an extrovert, I’m sure you could have a different spin on all this and you are welcome to it.  If you can catch me with my guard down, I would even listen to what you have to say and enjoy the conversation.

homo unius libri